Lawn Care, Watershed Management & Protecting Water Quality
It is important to remember that the movement of nutrients from all properties - not just waterfront properties - within the watershed region of the Bolton Lakes can affect both water quality and the recreational use of the lakes.
One key element of nutrient control is the care we provide to nurture the growth of our lawns. Excess nutrients, whether organic or artificial, can be carried away by flowing drainage water and enter the watershed system. These nutrients can support the growth of both native and invasive aquatic plants and algae.
The effects of this process are often most visible after heavy rain events, when water moves through the watershed carrying nutrients and contaminants from land surfaces, across roads, into streams, and ultimately into the lakes.
Recent Connecticut law has prohibited the sale of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus. However, nitrogen also supports aquatic plant growth, and naturally occurring sources of both nitrogen and phosphorus continue to contribute to nutrient loading in the watershed. Because of this, managing the flow of water across properties is critical.
One key element of nutrient control is the care we provide to nurture the growth of our lawns. Excess nutrients, whether organic or artificial, can be carried away by flowing drainage water and enter the watershed system. These nutrients can support the growth of both native and invasive aquatic plants and algae.
The effects of this process are often most visible after heavy rain events, when water moves through the watershed carrying nutrients and contaminants from land surfaces, across roads, into streams, and ultimately into the lakes.
Recent Connecticut law has prohibited the sale of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus. However, nitrogen also supports aquatic plant growth, and naturally occurring sources of both nitrogen and phosphorus continue to contribute to nutrient loading in the watershed. Because of this, managing the flow of water across properties is critical.
Best Lake Management Practices
Paying close attention to the health of Bolton Lakes is critical to:
Caring for the lakes requires that everyone living in the watershed or using the lakes understands the external factors that impact water quality.
Beyond awareness, each individual must take an active role in monitoring and maintaining Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Friends of Bolton Lakes (FBL) will continue to sponsor educational programs to help lake residents and users better understand the actions they can take to support ecological stability.
- Preserving natural resources
- Maintaining recreational opportunities
- Protecting lakefront property values
Caring for the lakes requires that everyone living in the watershed or using the lakes understands the external factors that impact water quality.
Beyond awareness, each individual must take an active role in monitoring and maintaining Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Friends of Bolton Lakes (FBL) will continue to sponsor educational programs to help lake residents and users better understand the actions they can take to support ecological stability.
Actions You Can Take
A number of important steps include:
- Monitoring invasive weed introduction at the state boat launch
- Controlling runoff and soil erosion around the lake perimeter
- Reducing or eliminating fertilizer use
- Reducing or eliminating pesticide use
- Managing waterfowl populations around and on the lake
- Adhering to beneficial landscaping practices
- Properly disposing of pet waste
- Washing vehicles away from the lake
Additional Resources
The following resources provide further guidance:
Final Note
The health of Bolton Lakes depends on collective responsibility across the entire watershed. By managing nutrients, recognizing early warning signs like algae blooms, and following best management practices, residents and visitors can play a critical role in protecting these lakes for future generations.